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Alpujarra; a oasis in Sierra Nevada

The Alpujarra is a region of mountain villages to the south of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, which nestle in sheltered valleys and gorges running down towards the Mediterranean Sea. Its terraced farmlands have a year-round supply of water from melting snow above, giving the area the appearance of a high-altitude oasis. Its strategic location close to the Mediterranean beside the high mountains, which are declared National Park (at high elevations) and Nature Reserve (villages were settled here) makes this region home to an authentic treasure of flora and fauna; in short, the perfect place for walking and hiking. Culturally the area is fascinating because its fifty or so villages were the last strongholds of the Spanish Muslims. Those Moriscos (Muslim-Christian converts) who still practiced their original religion and customs in private after the fall of Granada and in 1492 took to the hills in the face of increasing pressure from the Catholics, settling in this remote, inaccessible area. These unique villages have held on to their past. You can still see traditional architecture similar to that used by the Berber tribes of North Africa: terraced clusters of square houses with flat clay and slate roofs, like those to be found in the Rif and Atlas mountains of Morocco. Here we invite you to enjoy a week of intermediate level hiking staying in peaceful family run hotels in different villages.

Ham, wine and traditional arquitecture

You will spend your first night in Granada, with its old Moorish quarter of Albayzín (UNESCO World Heritage Site). In Granada you must visit the Alhambra and the many highlights of this city: the cathedral, royal chapel, ancient streets, tapas bars, tea and coffee shops… Then you travel with public transport to the Alpujarra, to the small authentic village Busquístar. It is one of the best examples of typical Alpujarra architecture, especially in the use of launa (a special type of clay found in this area) in roof construction. Then you walk towards the highest village, Trevélez (1,470m), which is famous for its ham-curing. The ham acquires its unique and fine taste of clean and fresh air in the high altitude and the area’s own special bio-climate during the curing process (at least one year). This ham is exported all over northern Europe and even to Japan. During your stay in the Alpujarra you will see this ham in almost every bar and you certainly will have to try it. You continue your hike giving you panoramic views over the valleys towards the village Berchules. From there on you go to Mecina Bombarón by the ancient path through the gorge between both villages. The landscapes and colours changes as you continue walking passing small villages to Yegen, with its literary heritage as the former home of the British author of “South from Granada”, Gerald Brenan. Here you will spend two nights in a beautiful restored village house before your return to Granada.

Granada - arrival

Arrival to Granada by public bus from airport Málaga takes only about 2 hours. You can also ask for a private transfer.
Warm welcome at a charming hotel (***) in the historical centre of Granada. And in the evening have some drinks in one of the many little bars, and you'll be invited to the tapas!

Granada - Busquístar by bus

After the visit of the Alhambra you travel by bus to the small village of Busquístar, a beautiful and authentic example of Moorish arquitecture, where you will stay in the charming house "Casa Sonia". The journey takes about 3 hours.

Busquístar (8 -15 km)

Circular routes. You can choose to do a short or a longer circular route, visiting some of the beautiful village of the Tahá of Pitres. For the long hike you cross the river Treveléz and climb up to the other side where you can enjoy the views of the white villages of the Taha de Pitres. Walk back through the villages Fondales, Mecina and Ferreirola, and try the natural Spa water of its fountain. You can also walk to the famous gorge of Poqueira and the villages Pampaneira, Bubión and Capileira and take the bus back to Busquístar.

Busquístar -Trevélez (11 km)

Today you walk to Trevélez, crossing an oak forest full of the scents of thyme, rosemary and lavender. Trevélez is the highest village on the Spanish mainland at 1476m, and the home of serrano ham curing. 5 hours, 700 m ascent and 400 m descent

Trevélez - Berchules (14 km)

You leave Trevelez taking the GR-trail and walk through a forest with good views of Trevelez and the higher peaks. You come to a cross where you have to choose, you can climb a bit more and walk on an altitude of about 1900-2000 meters or you can head down towards the village Juviles (where you can find shop, bar, bus) and from there continue towards Berchules on an old trail. You can enjoy the fantastic views while you are Walking to the next village Berchules.

Berchules - Yegen (13 km)

You take the GR7-trail to Mecina, crossing the green barranco (gorge) on an old path between both villages. In Mecina you can have a drink or buy something to eat and then you continue on the trail to Montenegro with it's hermitage and finally we reach Yegen. Yegen is a sleepy, authentic village of the Alpujarras, almost a century ago the writer Gerald Brenan choose it to live for some years and write the book "South from Granada".

Yegen, circular route (6-8 km)

You can do one of the small circular walks from the village or do them both! 1) Trail Walk of the Health (5 km) a walk which climbs to the Fountain of the Health and head back to Yegen through a beautiful gorge bordered by huge chestnut trees. 2) Brenan Trail (Sendero de Brenan): an agreeable stroll that was a favourite of the famous English writer, once resident of Yegen (it takes about 1,5 hours). Walking through olive and almond groves, and visiting the ancient fortress at Peñon del Fuerte, we enjoy views over a fairytale lunar landscape, to return to Yegen climbing along an old trail which ends at an interesting old fountain and wash-stone.

Yegen - Granada

You return to Granada by bus. Enjoy the unique mountain scenery in Europe while we snake our way down. Book an extra night in Granada if you want to explore a bit more its sights and monuments, ancient city streets, tapas bars and restaurants.

Information on the trip

Full information on cycling or hiking with us will be provided (cultural and useful details). For self-guided tours, maps & terrain guides or descriptions are also included.

Telephone helpline

Included

0€

8 days

This is comprised of a telephone number that the traveller may call between 9 am and 7 pm to obtain complementary information or to request help of any type that may be available en route at that time. This telephone number will be operated by employees or collaborators of the company, with sufficient knowledge of the route in question and who are capacitated to organise support for the traveller(s). In the case of requiring said support, the traveller will be responsible for the cost implied by organising such support (4X4 vehicle or taxi to pick up traveller(s), etc.)

Luggage transport

Included

0€

This service consists of transport of the traveller's luggage between the accommodation at the end of one stage to that of the next, within an itinerary offered by Otros Caminos S.L.. The traveller should have his/her luggage ready for collection before 9 am at the accommodation (reception area) from where the stage begins, and Otros Caminos will have the luggage ready in the following accommodation as specified in the itinerary by 4 pm of the same day.

Ticket to the Alhambra

Not Included

17€

Entry ticket to visit Alhambra and Generalife, including visit to Alcazaba (fortress), Palacios Nazaries (winter Nasrid palaces) and Generalife gardens (summer palace). We need your full name and passport number to buy the tickets

Supplement for single occupation

Not Included

145€

7 nights

Supplementary charge for reservation of single rooms or double rooms for single occupation at accommodation included on Otros Caminos tours.

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Questions about the travel

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